I visited a second grade classroom today. The students were working on researching topics and taking notes. I talked about looking at the pictures and reading the captions in a book to find valuable facts when researching.

Then the students got to work. I walked around and helped them find facts and organize their notes.

The students were delightful and I had fun helping them.

These are the lovely ladies in my critique group. Karen McDonald (author/illustrator), Sheila Jarkins (author/illustrator), and me. I'm lucky to have them.

SCBWI New Years Resolutions Conference

This past Saturday, I attended the SCBWI New Years Resolutions Conference in Syracuse, NY.

The morning began with a talk by author Carla McClafferty, a non-ficiton children's author from Arkansas. She offered advice on researching non-ficiton children's books. Her ideas were inspirational. I left feeling ready to tackle a non-fiction writing project.

Illustrators, Bob Dacey and Debra Bandelin spoke next. They were hillarious, talented, and down to earth. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them and I gained a great deal from their talk even though I'm not an illustrator.

Randi Rivers, an editor from Charlesbridge, spoke next. She was insightful and helpful about getting the most out of your submission. One thing I found very helpful was her list detailing of the elements of a fiction synopsis. Recently, I hunted for a good guide to writing a ficiton synopsis and I couldn't find one. I will use her list from now on.

Overall, this was one of the best conferences on writing for children I've attended. I plan to attend next year.

Harry Potter Series

I finished Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and am working on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The thing that is incredible to me is that book #7 ties in ideas from the beginning books; the first snitch Harry caught, the Deluminator, and the sword of Godric Gryffindor. Within each book an elaborate story is woven, yet that is only on a micro level compared to the whole. On a macro level, all seven books act as chapters in an elaborate story about an unlikely hero. Bravo, J.K. Rowling.

Harry Potter Series

I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last night. I may be late on the Harry Potter band-wagon, but these books are incredible works of fiction. J.K. Rowling starts so many threads of plot throughout the story, that I lose track of some of them until she brings them ALL back together in the end. Her books have perfect pacing that lead the reader to an amazing grand finale. I'm truly in awe and can't wait to start The Half-Blood Prince.

Author Visit 11/12/2009

Today I visited a fourth grade classroom. It went really well. I talked about the books that I've had published and the publication process. I emphasized where I get my ideas and how much revision is necessary. I think the students were surprised at how much I revise my manuscripts. I think the teacher will remind them of that every time they want to quit at the first draft stage in their writing. Sorry, kids! :)

Author Visit 11/4/2009

Today I visited a second grade class at a local primary school. I read my new book, The Canada Goose and You to the class. They "HONKED" right along with me. We had fun!

I talked about how I turn ideas into stories and avoid writers block. First, I taught the kids some Brain Gym exercises. Then we brainstormed ideas to put in a story. Next, we rearranged our ideas into the beginning, middle, and end. We ended up with a nice first draft.